Johnny believed he “lived like a king in his wilderness home,” and so he resisted suggestions that he settle down and build a house. Ask children how it was that Johnny felt like royalty. He didn't have a crown or jewels or money or people to rule. Why wasn't Johnny uncomfortable, unhappy, or worried?

Ask: How were people's stories of Johnny a good example of exaggeration? Why did people claim Johnny was stronger, kinder, or smarter than he was? Research the exaggeration surrounding other heroes and legends (for example, Finn M'Coul, Paul Bunyan, Daniel Boone, Robin Hood, etc.).

Apples in Language and Literature

Share apple tales with students. Tell the story of Snow White or William Tell. Ask children to find out what is meant by the following:

apple-pie order

the apple of my eye

an apple a day keeps the doctor away

Subjects:

American History, Agriculture, Drawing Conclusions and Making Inferences, Literary Devices, Research Skills, Determination and Perseverance